Tomorrow night, the Humane Society of the United States and Hollywood will honor the major news and entertainment media who over the last year have produced "outstanding works that raise public awareness about animal issues" with the 26th Annual Genesis Awards.The list of nominees includes (full list at the end) features films like "Dolphin Tale," "Rio," "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," and "War Horse" as well as talk shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show."Dancing With The Stars" judge Ca … [Read more...]

One of our local news station in Rochester, NY, 13WHAM news, did a two part story this week on the problem of backyard breeders and the astounding number of pit bulls ending up our local animal shelter. The two-part series was called "Disposable Dogs."In the story, reporter Jane Flasch shared information about the growing problem of irresponsible backyard breeding, which resulted with more than 1,000 pit bull puppies (some just days old) and dogs euthanized last year at Rochester Animal … [Read more...]

Just a week ago we were talking about animal cruelty and puppy mills, and in an ironic twist the New York State Police today raided the Wyoming County SPCA following allegations that "hundred cats were living under inhumane living conditions and funds were being improper handled." Police also raided an adoption center run by the Wyoming County SPCA in the Eastern Hills Mall in Clarence, NY.According to the BuffaloNews.com, Erie County SPCA spokeswoman Gina Browning, who is assisting with the … [Read more...]

It's a happy day for opponants of breed specific legislation: Ohio has changed the state's law that specifically named pit bulls as dangerous dogs.According to VIN News, the 25-year-old law formerly defined a vicious dog as one that “belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog.” The story goes on to explain this about the new revised code: In addition to striking the words "pit bull" from state code, HB 14 creates a new classification called “nuisance” dogs, defined as dogs t … [Read more...]

The Gorham Town Board opened their meeting tonight to comments from residents about the dog breeding facility proposed by Curtis and Jolene Martin. The board initially approved a special use permit last week for the couple, who currently own a commercial dog breeding facility in Seneca County. The residents and animal welfare activists from around the area responded to the news with an uproar of protests, sharing their thoughts in emails, phone calls, and across the internet.According to … [Read more...]

Last fall, dog lovers around the world were captivated by the story of Lily the blind Great Dane and her companion Maddison. Lily became blind after doctors removed her eyes when she developed a condition called entropion and Maddison became her eyes to the world.The dogs were turned over to Dogs Trust Shrewsbury in the UK when their owner couldn't care for them. Their photo made the rounds on Facebook, until a family in Crewe, Cheshire, UK offered a home to both of these gentle g … [Read more...]

Tonight the Gorham Town Board will hear from residents about the proposed wholesale commercial dog breeding facility proposed by breeders Curtis and Jolene Martin. The couple currently own a facility in Varick, NY where they breed roughly 300-400 dogs. (If you're behind, here are the posts about the proposed facility in Gorham, NY.)Over the last few days, I've listened while radio talk show hosts and even news reporters have mentioned the Martin's USDA violations at their Seneca County f … [Read more...]

Back in December I did a story on how animal activists have been working to get malls across the country to sever ties with pet stores in favor of rescue group"stores", in the hopes of putting a stop to puppy mills and helping more rescue animals find homes.I was surprised when readers started commenting that they ended up getting a dog at a pet store, knowing they were supporting puppy mills, because they'd been denied by rescue groups to adopt dogs. They cited restrictive rescue polices, in … [Read more...]

Football fans found out last night which two NFL teams will vie for the title of Super Bowl Champ (in case you care, it's the NY Giants and the New England Patriots; I only know because I just googled it). But for animal lovers, even more fun news made headlines today: PUPPY BOWL! For the eighth year in a row, Animal Planet will air their Puppy Bowl at 3 PM on February 5th. Adorable pups from shelters across the country will don uniforms of the two opposing Super Bowl teams and romp about on … [Read more...]

Mark Buehrle and his wife in a 2010 PSA for AdoptAPet.com This week comes news that Miami Marlins' pitcher Mark Buehrle was willing to pass up a deal with the South Florida baseball team because Miami-Dade county has a ban on pit bull ownership. In December, Buehrle signed a $58 million, four-year contract with the club. But he reportedly wasn't willing to make the move unless he and his wife Jamie could find a house in a community that would accept their adopted pit bull and three Viz … [Read more...]

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